After months of speculation, Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and the NFL world turns its eyes to the second and third rounds. The 2025 class is considered by many to have solid depth at several positions, with a host of starting-caliber players available on Day 2.
Edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku was tipped by many to be taken in the first round, but finds himself waiting by the phone on Day 2. With several teams in need of pass-rush help, we evaluate four potential landing spots for the player in the second round.
Best Potential Landing Spots for Donovan Ezeiruaku
The sack production from 2024 speaks volumes, but Donovan Ezeiruaku’s tape is flooded with pro-ready technique. He uses his hands incredibly well, and he plays with relentless passion when he’s chasing down the ball.
His sack total doesn’t just consist of proverbial empty calories; Ezeiruaku earns his sacks with active rush angle manipulation and intelligent hand application and counter work, emboldened by his natural leverage, burst, bend, and proportional length.
Ezeiruaku’s smaller size (6’3″, 248 pounds) is likely the reason for his name not being called on Day 1, but the player has the skillset to contribute in the NFL.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots’ pass rush was abysmal in 2024, finishing dead last in sacks (28) and 29th in pressure rate (17.6%), despite blitzing at the 14th-highest rate in the league (25.4%).
The team’s need to protect 2024 third overall pick Drake Maye took precedence in the first round, but the team’s defensive line will likely be a priority on Day 2. The Patriots head into the second round holding the 38th overall pick, sixth on the day, putting them in a good position to land the player of their choice.
Several high-level edge rushers are likely to be drafted in Round 2, with varying opinions on the order that they’ll be taken in. Ezeiruaku should have his phone ready from the very start of proceedings.
New Orleans Saints
If it’s not New England, the New Orleans Saints could be giving Ezeiruaku a call just two picks later. The Saints also struggled to rush the passer in 2024, finishing in the bottom half in sacks (39), and the bottom 10 in sack percentage (6.2%) and tackles for loss (77).
With a disappointing recent history of drafting edge rushers, the Saints still have no long-term replacement for 14-year veteran, and Saints legend, Cam Jordan. Ezeiruaku is far from a like-for-like replacement for Jordan, but the Saints need to find someone that can affect opposing quarterbacks sooner rather than later.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ pass rush finished the 2024 season with the tenth-lowest pressure rate (20.8%) and seventh-fewest sacks (36 – tied) in the NFL. The team then lost Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency; the Colts’ 2021 second-round pick played 17 games last season, starting 14.
The team added tight end Tyler Warren in Round 1, so defense could be on the agenda on Day 2. Indianapolis signed Cam Bynum and Charvarius Ward in free agency, adding to the veteran core of stars already on the team. Drafting a dynamic edge rusher could complete a ferocious defensive unit heading into 2025.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers’ pass rush registered the league’s lowest pressure rate in 2024 (16.2%), while only two teams managed fewer sacks (32). The Panthers also allowed the most points in the NFL last season, something that needs to change if the team is to be competitive any time soon. Having added Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III to their interior defensive line, drafting an athletic edge rusher could transform the team’s pass rush in 2025.
Not picking until the back half of Round 2, the Panthers may need to trade up to avoid missing out on a seemingly inevitable edge-rusher run in the early-to-mid second round. With so many talented guys still on the board, though, there’s always a chance that Ezeiruaku could fall.
